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25 Summer Slow Cooker Meals

ByAmy @ Slow Cooker Gourmet

During the dog days of summer, one of the last things you want to do is spend time over the stove or heat the kitchen for hours with a hot oven. Let the slow cooker simplify your summer and take the heat with 25 easy and delicious summer slow cooker meals!

Is a slow cooker good for the summer?

Often, a slow cooker is associated with those hearty soups and stews in cozy autumn and winter seasons. However, it can be one of the best kitchen tools to beat the summer heat!

Many families like to fill their summer days with outdoor activities, excursions, or extended time for slow and lazy relaxation. In the midst of summer schedules, you may not want to spend any more time in the kitchen than necessary – let alone bring in the extra heat of an oven! 

A slow cooker can save your days with flavorful and satisfying recipes that are perfectly suited for summer ingredients. Some slow cooker renditions of these tasty meals may surprise you with their tastiness and convenience!

 25 Summer Slow Cooker Meals

Summer Slow Cooker Main Dishes

When it’s too hot to even fire up the grill outside, use your slow cooker to prep filling and fresh ingredients that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Spice up your life with this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite sized chunks
  • 12 oz frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup red onion cut into 2 inch chunks
  • ¼ cup soy sauce tamari for gluten free
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour whisked with 2 tablespoons water until smooth
Get the full recipe and instructions
white with purple dots slow cooker filled with teriyaki chicken and pineapple
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
It IS possible to enjoy ribs for a weeknight dinner – no grill or prep required! Country style ribs are an easy, family-friendly option using only 3 ingredients. Add them to the slow cooker in the morning and savor the tender, juicy meat right around dinnertime!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds pork country style boneless ribs
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup apricot preserves no sugar added preferred
Get the full recipe and instructions
bbq country ribs on white platter next to bowl of corn and black slow cooker
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
If you love my #1 post, The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, then you'll love this BBQ pulled pork version too! With simple seasoning, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and cooks all day for fall apart tender, juicy pork oozing with tangy sweet sauce.

Ingredients

Get the full recipe and instructions
bbq pulled pork on bun topped with coleslaw on gray plate
Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
If you’re looking for a simple dinner that is sure to please everyone around the table, try Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken! This easy recipe is just as mouth-watering as the pulled meats you can get at a local BBQ restaurant.

Ingredients

Get the full recipe and instructions
shredded chicken on cutting board
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Slow cooker ranch chicken is a timeless recipe with flavorful chicken and vegetables that even the kids are sure to love. This one-pot dinner is satisfying, healthy, and makes amazing leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter to brown chicken (optional)
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
  • 1 pound red baby potatoes
  • 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 ½ cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
Get the full recipe and instructions
white oval serving dish layered with whole baby potatoes, cooked carrots, and topped with chicken breasts

Summer Slow Cooker Side Dishes

Use your slow cooker to make hearty sides that are perfect complements to main meals at a summer cookout or potluck. 

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
If you need an economical and tasty meal to share, serve slow cooker cowboy beans for a generous meal that is perfect year-round!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 slices of precooked bacon
  • 1 sweet onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 2 15 oz cans pinto beans drained
  • 2 15 oz Great Northern beans drained
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
Get the full recipe and instructions
blue bowl of cowboy beans next to green napkin and wooden spoon
Slow Cooker Green Beans
This tasty, simple side dish can’t get much easier – slow cooker green beans are the perfect addition to your main meals year-round!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 4 slices pre-cooked bacon
  • ¼ cup diced yellow onion about ½ small onion
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
Get the full recipe and instructions
cooked fresh green beans in serving bowl with bacon
Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
Want to know the easiest way to make delicious baked potatoes? These slow cooker baked potatoes are simple and perfectly cooked! Even easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds gold potatoes or potato of choice
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Get the full recipe and instructions
slow cooker baked potato on gray plate cut open topped with butter and sour cream
Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Baked Beans
With just a few ingredients, these Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Baked Beans are a great side for any meal!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bacon
  • 1/2 small yellow onion
  • 16 ounces canned beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Baked Beans
Slow Cooker Buttery Dill Corn on the Cob
Is there a more quintessential summer side than buttery corn on the cob? The slow cooker makes this tasty, fresh side even easier than ever!

Ingredients

  • 6 ears sweet corn (cleaned and shucked)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill (fresh or freeze dried)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Buttery Dill Corn

Summer Slow Cooker Casseroles

Try these all-in-one dinners for your busy summer weeknights and soak up a slower schedule with late nights outdoors!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Casserole
Satisfying your comfort food cravings is about to get a lot easier! Using this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe, you can make a tasty, home-cooked classic with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. Instead of typical chicken casseroles made with canned soups, a simple combination results in a healthier option that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup onion diced
  • 1 tsp herb & garlic seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup crushed potato chips
  • 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Casserole served on a blue dish garnished with parsley and a golden spoon to the side
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Here’s a dish with all the goodness of enchiladas but much less prep time required! Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a healthy option for a family-friendly meal with lots of added veggies.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced zucchini 1 small zucchini
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup diced red pepper 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeno pepper diced and ribs and seeds removed
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 8 oz corn tortillas
  • 8 oz shredded cheese
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole served
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
It’s tough to find a person who won’t enjoy a serving – or two! – of Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole. This tasty recipe leaves the canned soups behind and incorporates heavy cream, beef, veggies, and classic tater tots into a timeless comfort food!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons herb and garlic seasoning or a favorite seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups frozen mixed veggies
  • 24 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 4 oz shredded cheese
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole garnished and served on plate next to form and napkin
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Lasagna
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Lasagna is a super simple way to get your lasagna fix without spending hours of your day in the kitchen! Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese topped off with yet more cheese, this recipe is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked spaghetti noodles
  • 2-3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 15 oz container ricotta cheese
  • 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
  • 8 oz Alfredo sauce
  • 4 oz pesto sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Get the full recipe and instructions
slow cooker spaghetti lasagna with melted cheese on a white plate
Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole
Sneaking vegetables into your kiddo's diet has never been so easy than with this delicious Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 96/4 Extra Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 small Yellow Onion diced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper diced
  • 5 cups Shredded Collard Greens
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 pint Sugar Plum Grape Tomatoes halved
  • 15 oz can Black Beans
  • 18 oz Tomato Sauce with Roasted Garlic
  • 3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • 10 Corn Tortillas (I used extra thin)
  • 6 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole

Summer Slow Cooker Tacos

Taco Night is a year-round family favorite and can take on sweet or savory twists this summer with these variations! Try a beef, pork, or chicken variety for your next family meal.

Street Tacos With Slow Cooker Carnitas
A new take on an authentic classic – let the slow cooker do the work for you! Try street tacos with slow cooker carnitas for your next taco-night spread.

Ingredients

  • 4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast
  • ¼ cup The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • 12 oz can beer (a light-tasting variety)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 sweet onion
  • 2-3 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced
  • ½ cup fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 16 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Get the full recipe and instructions
carnitas street tacos on a round blue plate with sliced avocados in a white dish
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Try a tropical twist on your meal plan with Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken! Sweet and savory chicken thighs in a rich sauce create the perfect protein to serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed veggies. Just a few minutes of prep for the slow cooker will result in the tastiest island flavor!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce tamari for gluten-free option
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Get the full recipe and instructions
Cooked Hawaiian chicken on a bed of rice garnished with green onions and black pepper
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos
Any day is a good day for tacos, but National Taco Day is the ultimate day to eat the most amazing tacos of your life! And to celebrate, I’ve paired up with some of my best blogger friends to bring you a few new  creative recipes including these Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds top sirloin excess fat trimmed, sliced into thin pieces
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger
  • 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 8 taco sized flour tortillas
  • 1/2 head red cabbage shredded
  • 1/4 cup Sriracha mayo
  • fresh cilantro
Get the full recipe and instructions
Korean beef tacos on a white platter topped with red cabbage and Sriracha mayo
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
Sometimes the simplest recipes can be the most satisfying! Slow Cooker Pork Tacos require only 3 ingredients for the filling and this recipe includes a twist on the usual dollop of sour cream. In about 10 minutes of effort, you can cook a large batch of savory shredded pork to serve for several meals!

Ingredients

For Pork:

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder roast
  • 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning or use one store-bought packet of taco seasoning
  • 8 ounces beer (vegetable broth can be substituted)

For Sour Cream:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from can of chipotle peppers (or less depending on your preferred spice level)
Get the full recipe and instructions
three tacos shells with shredded pork, adobo sour cream and sliced jalapeños on blue plate with coral charger
Slow Cooker Beer Braised Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Say goodbye to boring tacos! You won’t believe how easy it is to make these Slow Cooker Beer Braised Chipotle Chicken Tacos! Plus, the flavor can’t be beat!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs breasts are fine as well
  • 2 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning
  • 2 chipotle chili peppers, chopped from can
  • 6 oz pale ale or other favorite beer
Get the full recipe and instructions
overhead view looking at beer braised chicken tacos with chipotle and cilantro

Summer Slow Cooker Desserts

Fresh fruits and simple sweets are a necessity for summer gatherings. Try a new dessert in the slow cooker to share at your next outing or bring along for a family treat.

Easy Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler With Fresh Peaches
Looking for a delicious treat to use all those farmer’s market fresh peaches? Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler with Fresh Peaches and the most delicious Yogurt Whipped Cream is the perfect summer dessert!

Ingredients

For filling:

  • 8-10 fresh peaches ripe but not too soft
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

For topping:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick butter, cold

For yogurt whipped cream:

  • 8 oz Heavy Cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5.3 oz Whole Milk Yogurt
Get the full recipe and instructions
white ramekin with peach cobbler topped with ice cream
Slow Cooker Frosted Cookie Bars
These Slow Cooker Frosted Cookies Bars have a cookie base made with sweetened condensed milk and thick rich butter cream frosting. Not many can resist this combo!

Ingredients

For cookies:

  • 2 cups butter softened
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1.75 oz rainbow sprinkles (plus more for topping, if desired)

For frosting:

  • 1 cup butter at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 drops or more food coloring, if desired
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Cookie Bars
Slow Cooker Dreamy Hazelnut Cupcakes
These Slow Cooker Dreamy Hazelnut Cupcakes are seriously the BEST CUPCAKES I’ve ever had. No kidding. You too need to make cupcakes in the slow cooker!!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed hazelnut coffee cooled
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Dreamy Hazelnut Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Cookie Bars In The Slow Cooker
Get ready to be wowed by a delectable treat you can make right in your slow cooker – Salted Caramel Cookie Bars!

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 11 oz package Kraft Caramel Bits
  • 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
Get the full recipe and instructions
3 stacked cookie bars with caramel next to other individual pieces
Slow Cooker Apple Crumble
A delicious dessert, no oven required! Naturally gluten-free + dairy free option! Simply add everything to the slow cooker for a simple yet amazing apple crumble that's perfect for everyone.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds apples peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch or tapioca flour
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup almond flour or all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 8 tablespoon butter
Get the full recipe and instructions

2 Comments

  1. I love your recipes. would it be possible for you to make recipes with more Chicken and Turkey?
    I don’t eat pork, but your beef recipes are great!

    Reply

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